‘Procurement Fraud’: Court Adjourns Emefiele‘s Trial To June 24

‘Procurement Fraud’: Court Adjourns Emefiele‘s Trial To June 24

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been adjourned to June 24 by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama. Neither the prosecution counsel nor Emefiele was present at the court session held on Thursday…..READ ALSO Appeal Court Fines APC Candidate Sylva In Bayelsa Guber Case

Emefiele’s counsel, I.D Ahmed, informed the presiding judge, Hamza Muazu, that the prosecution had requested an adjournment, resulting in the defendant’s absence. Ahmed also apologized for Emefiele’s non-attendance.

However, Judge Muazu expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “Because you have a letter of adjournment from the prosecution does not mean the defendant should not be in court.” Consequently, he scheduled the next hearing dates for June 24 and June 25.

The case has witnessed significant developments since the federal government expanded the criminal charges against Emefiele from six to 20 counts, including allegations of criminal breach of trust, forgery, and procurement fraud among others.

Emefiele’s bail conditions were modified, allowing him to travel within Nigeria but restricting international travel while the trial is ongoing.

According to the amended charges, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Emefiele forged a document in January 2023 and, in conspiracy with Odoh Ocheme, illegally obtained $6.2 million from the CBN, purportedly through a directive from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Additionally, the EFCC has declared Margaret Emefiele, the wife of the former CBN governor, wanted on charges of money laundering, further complicating the legal battles facing the Emefiele family.

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